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Visa scheme for overseas workers tightened

The federal government's cracking down on the 457 visa scheme for temporary overseas workers, saying it has evidence the program is being used to discriminate against Australians.

Immigration Minister Brendan O'Connor says the 457 visas will be tightened to ensure they are only being used to address genuine skills shortages, and that local workers are getting a "fair go".

Under the changes employers will be required to demonstrate they're nominating a position where there is a genuine shortage of workers, while English language requirements for some jobs will also be raised.

Mr O'Connor says compliance and enforcement powers will also be boosted to stop employers who are rorting the system.